Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the subject matter of this romantic drama -- mortality and pining for a lost love -- is profoundly sad. The relationships are complicated, bordering on scandalous (a love triangle between two men and a woman emerges, and one character who's about to be married propositions another on the eve of her wedding), and a thick pall of regret and death hangs over the film, which may be tough for young viewers to process. There's also plenty of drinking and smoking (not unexpected, given the '50s setting), and some cursing (mostly mild, with one notable use of "f--k"). If you're expecting the movie to be just like the book on which it's based, you may be disappointed.

Sexual Content

One couple shown in post-sex repose (bare legs and shoulders, but nothing else is visible); a fair amount of kissing. Men and women strip to their underwear before jump off a cliff to the sea below. Two friends make jokes about sex (but in a fairly genteel, 1950s way).

Violence

A key character is hit by a car; later, there's a close-up of his bloodied face. A shouting match between two main characters packs a hefty emotional punch.

Language

One significant use of "f--k" otherwise, fairly innocuous, with the occasional "damn."

Social Behavior

Enduring friendships, loyalty to family, and familial love are all highlighted. But on the other hand, a woman on the verge of getting married flirts and propositions another man, another woman verbally dresses down a character who's plainly vulnerable, and one man is clearly an alcoholic and indulges in destructive, alcohol-fueled behavior. In the present, characters deal with commitment and other long-unresolved issues.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Lots of drinking. One character is clearly an alcoholic, drinking constantly (often to the point of fall-down-drunkenness) and at all hours. There's also plenty of smoking, in keeping with the '50s setting.